BAFTA nominated Irish actor and well-known young Hollywood actor Barry Keoghan was back in Dublin recently to launch the 2020 Coca-Cola Thank you Fund.
Marking a decade of support for youth-orientated non-profit groups across the island of Ireland, this year’s Fund has been reimagined to help groups respond to the impact of COVID-19.
“As the economy reopens, we’re now looking to the future and identifying ways we can support and have an impact.
"The Coca-Cola system has tailored our community-based initiatives to specifically address some of the emerging needs facing Ireland’s young people," said Petre Sandru, country manager, Coca-Cola Ireland.
In recognition of the vulnerable and marginalised young people that have been disproportionately affected by the economic and socio-economic impact of the pandemic, Coca-Cola Thank You Fund grants totalling €50,000 will be awarded to charities, community and voluntary organisations and NGOs seeking support for initiatives targeted at supporting young people aged 16-25.
“I think we’re all a little overwhelmed at the moment, but for someone who’s only support is their local youth group, this is a particularly difficult time,” said Barry Koeghan (Coca-Cola Thank You Fund Launch Ambassador).
Local Community
Originally from Summerhill in Dublin’s north inner-city, Keoghan was involved in his own local community group before his meteoric rise to fame and credits the skills and supports he received during this time for his success today.
Keoghan highlighted: "I know my own local community project in Dublin had a massive impact on me. It gave me the confidence to get to where I am today, so to have that connection taken from you when you need it most is scary."
"None of us really know what lies ahead, but youth groups provide a lifeline for young people right across Ireland – they’re the bridge between night and day at times, and the grants available through the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund will help them to provide the services that are changing the course of young Irish people’s lives for the better,” he added.
© 2020 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click sign-up to subscribe to Checkout.
